Lifeboats tasked by CGOC Belfast @ 10:07am to a 28ft fishing vessel with 2 persons on board which had lost power approximately 1 nautical mile south of Cranfield Bay. Due to information that the casualty vessel was drifting towards shore all lifeboats were launched. A short time later the casualty vessel was located 1 nautical mile south of Conns Point. The vessel was inspected, a tow line connected and the lifeboat commenced a tow to the Battery Harbour.
Upon arriving at the battery harbour the vessel was safely moored and the crew handed into the care of the waiting Lough Neagh Coastguard Team.

All units stood down, returned to base where they re-staged equipment for the next tasking.

Lifeboats tasked by CGOC Belfast @ 10:29am to a report of 2 persons & a dog stranded on Tolans Flat in adverse weather conditions. LNR Lifeboats responded along with shore crew. The Kinnego Lifeboat proceeded to the island and extracted the casualties and landed them at Gawleys Gate, they were then handed into the care of the Lough Neagh Coastguard team whom was waiting on shore. All units then stood down and returned to base and re-staged ready for the next tasking.

HM Coastguard tasked LNR @ 17:45 to reports that a motor cruiser with 5 persons on board hit rocks and was in difficulty close to Gawleys gate.

Our lifeboats launched and proceeded to the area to commence a search, the casualty vessel was located on the lee shore close to Tolans flat, due to the poor weather conditions and poor depth a lee shore rescue was implemented using both the Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboats.

Following an inspection of the vessel and consent from the skipper on board, the casualty vessel was towed off the shore and into deeper water. The Ardboe lifeboat then disconnected its tow line and came alongside the casualty vessel where all casualties were transferred on board and brought to safety. The Kinnego lifeboat continued to tow the casualty vessel back to Kinnego Marina..

The vessel and persons on board were handed into the care of the awaiting LNR shore crew and Coastguard team.

All units were then stood down, returned to base and prepared for the next tasking.

At 16.19 HM Coastguard tasked LNR to reports that a sailing vessel had capsized in Toome bay and 2 persons were in the water, the first informant then lost sight of the persons and their vessel.
Our lifeboats launched and proceeded to the area to commence a search. With no immediate sightings, shore crew also responded in a rapid response vehicle and commenced searching various shore locations around the Toome bay.
Our Lifeboats then observed persons on shore (in a fisherman’s quay), our shore crew were directed to the location and were able to confirm that this was the casualties we had been tasked to. With our Coastguard colleagues arriving on scene a short time later it was confirmed that all was well, and as no medical assistance was required Belfast Coastguard were happy to stand down all LNR units.

All units returned to base and prepared for the next tasking.

The first informant did the correct thing by contacting the Coastguard, if you believe someone is in trouble or distress on the water, do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

At 19:19 HM Coastguard tasked LNR to reports of a broken down vessel with 6 persons on board, the vessel was reported as being approx. 1 mile outside Oxford Island.
Both the Ardboe and Kinnego lifeboats launched and located the casualty vessel close to Padian.
Following discussions on scene it was decided that the Ardboe lifeboat take 5 persons on board the lifeboat and bring them directly to shore whilst the Kinnego lifeboat would tow the casualty vessel with its skipper back to Kinnego marina.
The casualty vessel and all persons on board brought safely to shore and handed into the care of our Coastguard colleagues.

Lifeboats then stood down, returned to base and prepared for the next tasking.

HM Coastguard tasked LNR @ 20:20 to search for a cruiser that had run aground close to the Castlebay area, the vessel was reported as having 5 persons on board – 4 adults and 1 child.

LNR’s lifeboats swiftly launched and proceeded to search for the casualty vessel, a short time later the vessel was located,

LNR crew checked that there were no injuries to those on board and the vessel was assessed for any visible damage. Following this assessment a towline was connected and the vessel was brought safely to shore.

LNR crew then handed the vessel and those on board into the care of the awaiting Coastguard team on shore.

Lifeboats stood down, returned to base and made ready for the next tasking.

HM Coastguard tasked LNR @ 22:00 to search the Antrim bay area for a jet ski with 2 persons on board that had not returned to shore.

LNR’s lifeboats swiftly launched along with shore crews in our land based response units (Lima Romeo and Victor Whiskey).

Following an extensive search on the water the jet ski had been located close to Kettlebottom Island, however there were no occupants on board or in the surrounding area. The search continued both on land and on the water until the casualties were located safe and well.

All units then stood down.

The Antrim Bay Lifeboat brought the jet ski back to shore and all units returned to base and made ready for the next tasking.

HM Coastguard tasked LNR lifeboats @ 16:55 to a 25 ft leisure craft with 2 persons on board that had run aground at the entrance to the River Bann (Foot).

Our lifeboats quickly launched and proceeded to the area.

Due to the low water and high northerly wind a lee shore rescue was implemented and executed with one crew member staying with the casualty vessel. A tow line was connected to the vessel (with the consent of the skipper) and the lifeboat was able to bring the casualty vessel into deeper water and back into the river. When the casualty vessel was in sheltered waters and it was deemed safe, tow line was disconnected and the lifeboat escorted the vessel to the jetty on the Charlestown side of the river.

The vessel was then handed into the care of our colleagues from Maritime Coastguard Agency who were waiting to assist.

The Y-Zone youth group are holding a fun day at the River Bann in Portadown today. We are pleased to have been invited along to meet and greet members of the public, have a chat and showcase some of the kit we have. Come say hello, try on some of the kit or have a go with a throw line.

HM Coastguard tasked LNR at 17:21 to the aid of a sailing yacht in difficulty at the mouth of the Six Mile Water River.

The Antrim Bay Lifeboat launched and proceeded to the casualty vessel which had run aground and shortly thereafter was able to free itself. After a quick assessment and receiving confirmation from the skipper on board the casulty vessel that all was ok ABLB returned to station at 17:40 ready for service.

A note to anyone boating in and around Antrim bay, the mouth of the river is very shallow at the moment.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 20:26hrs and requested the launch of the lifeboats to the aid of 2 persons on-board a speedboat with engine difficulties located outside Kinnego marina. With the vessel drifting towards rocks both the Ardboe and Kinnego lifeboats were requested to launch.

Both lifeboats launched swiftly and the Kinnego lifeboat proceeded to the casualty vessel. Upon arrival on scene the vessel had regained power and was making its way back into the marina alongside the Kinnego Harbor Master boat. Kinnego lifeboat also escorted the vessel back into the marina.

Can we take this opportunity to thank everyone for supporting our 5 Mile and 10k Run. It’s was a HUGE success. To all our sponsors Paul Berry Group Training, John J Donnelly M.B.E, Shivers Bathroom Interiors and Techmac Industrial Supplies, Asda Antrim and Tesco Antrim. Thank you for making the run possible. Thanks must go to all the runners who came and took part in a very warm Saturday morning. Without your support our run wouldn’t be the success it is. To the crew from all stations and families. Thank you!!! Your time, effort and commitment is very much appreciated. To Katrina Taggart and Charlotte Pullan. Thank you ladies for doing a fantastic and professional job at registering all the runners and helping to set up.

Last and not least. To Drew Taggart and the Pace Running club volunteers. Thank you for all your help, support and guidance in organising this event. Without doubt your attention to detail makes it the success it really is.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 17:41hrs and requested the launch of the lifeboat to the aid a yacht that was reported as having run aground close to Rams Island.

Whilst on route to the search area an update was received that the casualty vessel had regained propulsion and was able to make its way to the south jetty on Rams Island. The lifeboat proceeded to the island to make contact with the skipper. After consultation with the skipper and the Coastguard they were happy that further assistance was not required and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to base.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 15:34hrs and requested the launch of the Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboats to the aid of 2 persons on board a Bayliner pleasure craft which was experiencing engine difficulties and drifting in the area of Silver Hill.

Both lifeboats launched and commenced a search, whilst on route to the search area there was an update from the Coastguard that the casualty vessel had regained limited power and was making its way back towards Kinnego Marina.
All units were to continue and assist where possible.

A short time later the casualty vessel was located by the Ardboe lifeboat and the lifeboat commenced an escort back towards Kinnego marina, shortly thereafter the Kinnego lifeboat took over the escort and brought the casualty vessel safely alongside the jetty in the Marina.

At 17:08hrs HM Coastguard tasked LNR to reports of a vessel in difficulty off Gawleys Gate. The casualty vessel was located by Ardboe Lifeboat in the Lady Bay Area. Following an inspection and consent to tow from the skipper on board the vessel the Lifeboat towed the vessel into Gawleys Gate and handed into the care of the awaiting Coastguard team.
Lifeboat returned to base and made ready for the next tasking.

Tonight we welcomed the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Paul Hamill to our weekly training session. Paul was given a tour of our Antrim station and learned all about our organisation and the services we provide on Lough Neagh and further afield. After learning about the safety aspects of PPE and proper use of a Lifejacket, Paul then set sail on the Antrim Bay Lifeboat with a passage to Cranfield. Whilst travelling to Cranfield Paul was able to take in sights such as Shane’s Castle, River Maine, Farrs Bay and Rabbits point all of which are famous land marks on Lough Neagh. Once at Cranfield, Paul was able to help in a scenario of a “Man Over Board”. Our fellow crew members from Ardboe and Lifeboat the David Gray then took Paul to the Eastern shores of the Antrim Bay taking in sights such as Ballyginnif Sand Quay, Water Tower, Kettle Bottom Island and Antrim Marina. We at Lough Neagh Rescue wish to thank the Mayor for taking time from his busy schedule to visit us and to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for all the help and support throughout the years.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 10:09hrs and requested the immediate launch of the Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboats to the aid of 2 persons on board a dredger that was taking on water in the area of Skaddy Tower.

Both lifeboats launched swiftly and proceeded to the area, whist on route it was confirmed that the vessel was no longer afloat and the casualties were in the water.
The lifeboat arrived on scene where one person had made it on-board a sand dredger that was nearby.

The sand dredger and fishermen who were also in the area proceeded to the casualty vessel following the call that they were taking on water and sinking.

With the other person still in the water (alongside the sand dredger), LNR crew boarded the dredger and along with those on board retrieved the person from the water. Both casualties were treated for cold water shock, transferred to the lifeboat and brought to Ballyronan marina where LNR shore crew were awaiting with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The casualties were brought safely to shore and handed into the care of the NIAS for treatment.

Large debris from the area was also brought to shore ensuring the area was safe for other vessels before the lifeboats were stood down and returned to base.

We would like to acknowledge and thank those on-board the nearby fishing vessel and sand dredgers who came to the aid of the casualties. Their swift actions undoubtedly reduced the risk of loss of life.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 17:05hrs and requested that the Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboats launch to the aid of a yacht that was believed to be aground in the Deerpark area. Both lifeboats launched and commenced the search, the vessel was located by the Kinnego lifeboat where the team liaised with the skipper and confirmed that all was well.
Both lifeboats stood down and returned to base.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 21:00hrs and requested that all available units respond to Kinnego Marina where a child was reported as missing. Lifeboat and shore crews responded, thankfully the child was located safe and well a short time later.
All units stood down and returned to base.

Can we take this opportunity to thank Rev Stephen McBride, Rev Aaron Mcallister and Cynthia Cherry who presented crew members Drew Taggart and Desi Lundy with a cheque for £2000. This money was raised during the Christmas tree festival at All Saints. Can we thank all the members of the church and general public for supporting the event and your continued support in helping to raise this fantastic amount. Can we also thank Mrs Fiona Simpson for her kind donation to our Lifesaving charity. We are truly overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness.

Category
Announcements |
Comments Off on Christmas tree festival at All Saints

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 14:51hrs and requested the Ardboe lifeboat launch to the aid of a small yacht with 3 persons on board that had obtained damage to its rudder just outside of Ballyronan marina.
The lifeboat launched and proceeded to the area and located the casualty vessel. Having obtained consent to set up a tow the vessel was towed safely into Ballyronan marina and secured to the jetty.
All units were stood down and returned to base.

HM Coastguard paged LNR at 23:00 on 28th March and requested the Kinnego and Ardboe lifeboats launch following reports of a flashing light being seen on the lough from the east shore. The first informant believed that this may have been an SOS.
Both lifeboats launched and conducted and extensive search from the Battery Harbour and Kinnego Marina to and along the Eastern Shore. With nothing seen all units were stood down and returned to base.
The first informant did the right thing when they believed someone could have been in trouble.
We at LNR would rather be called out and not needed opposed to the opposite.